NFL

Carolina Panthers Add Another Weapon for Cam Newton

The Carolina Panthers are giving Cam Newton everything he needs to be successful in his upcoming contract year. After giving him a legitimate No. 1 receiver in last year’s draft in Kelvin Benjamin, the Panthers added to his arsenal on Friday by picking Michigan receiver Devin Funchess with the No. 41 overall pick.

Funchess (6-foot-4, 232 lbs), like Benjamin, is a physically imposing receiver. His height will come in handy in Carolina, as Newton has a tendency to sail the ball.

Funchess was better in 2013 than last season, as poor quarterback play combined with a rash of drops stymied his production. But if the Panthers can light a fire under him, he has the potential to be dominant.

GM David Gettlemen clearly felt Funchess was his guy, as the traded up in the second round to get his man. While Gettlemen’s aggressiveness is admirable, it leaves Carolina with fewer assets to address its most glaring need: offensive tackle.

About Michael Lombardo

Michael Lombardo has spent more than 10 years as a team expert at Scout.com, primarily covering the Chargers, Cardinals and Panthers. He has been published by the NFL Network, Fox Sports and other venues.